Method and apparatus for treating pain with therapeutic magnets

ABSTRACT

A method and system of placement of a magnetic field flux field generator in fitment which creates a specific effect of three dimensional field gradient to alter the charge distribution on living membranes in order to establish normal physiological functioning of damaged tissue.

This application claims priority of provisional patent application60/141,364, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,356, filed Jun. 28, 1999,issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,376.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related to methods and apparatus for thetreatment of pain using magnets and magnetic fields. It is acontinuation in part of U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,902 (Continuous Pulse,non-modulated, non-burst mode nerve stimulator and method of applyingsame), PCT/US98/18967 (Method and apparatus for altering the chargedistribution upon living membranes with functional stabilization of themembrane physical & electrical integrity, and provisional applicationNo. 60/141,364).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Magnetic devices are known to be effective in treating pain. Propermagnetic fields are believed to inhibit the flow of calcium and sodiumions in the cell membranes of nerves. Accordingly, the transmission ofpain is likewise inhibited as well as the stabilization of othercellular dysfunctions such as abnormal fluid transport. Magneticdevices, which produce a magnetic field having a specificthree-dimensional gradient in the magnetic flux field, are particularlyeffective in inhibiting pain. Magnetic devices not producing flux fieldswith the specific gradients are not effective in relieving pain.

Also, it is important that a magnetic device or a plurality of magneticdevices be properly positioned relative to nerves, muscles, tendons, andligaments for the initiation and/or inhibition of nerve transmission.Without use of proper magnetic devices or without proper placement ofthe magnetic devices, magnetic devices are ineffective in relieving painand improvement of either dysfunction. The present invention overcomesdeficiencies in prior use and placement of magnetic devices to provideparticularly effective pain and discomfort relief.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention includes the use of particularly effectivemagnetic devices, which are positioned in specified locations on auser's body. The locations were determined by inventive discovery andknowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body part and itsinteraction with the specific flux field. The magnetic devices may beapplied to the user's body using adhesives, such as double-sided tapes,or positioned using fitments such as elastic wraps, seat cushions,comforters, wristbands, or other carriers for magnets. Preferably, themagnetic device used is the device shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,312,321; 5,941,902 and pending PCT/US98/18967, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference. The device includes four magnetbodies having alternating magnetic poles. The vertices of the magnetbodies form a quadrilateral shape.

The magnetic devices are ideally positioned over specific nerves,muscles and ligaments or other body structures. The specific positionhas been determined through clinical studies, experience and ascientific knowledge of the interaction of these fields with the bodytissues. The positioning for the relief of pain for specific conditionsis shown in the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat cushion having magnetic devicessecurely positioned therein, which is placed in a chair;

FIGS. 2 and 3 show front and rear views of a user wearing a pair ofathletic tights containing magnetic devices affixed therein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a comforter with magnetic devicessecured therein resting upon a bed;

FIG. 5a is a top view of an insole, which has a plurality of magneticdevices therein at areas of major stress in the foot at areas of majorstress in the foot;

FIG. 5b is an alternate view of a duster of smaller devices clustered inthe area of major stress in the foot;

FIG. 6a shows views of a back fitment using magnet devices and fitmentswith fasteners to allow each magnetic device to be individually locatedon the fitment to allow customization for different users;

FIG. 6b is an array of locations attached directly to the skin for lowerback pain and nerve root inflammation or compression;

Flux Generator, shows various placements of magnetic devices relative toa user's body for the treatment of pain and/or discomfort.

FIG. 7 shows fitment designs with location of the treatment devices formild to moderate knee pain;

FIG. 8 shows view of a knee fitment for treatment of more severe kneepain and inflammation;

FIG. 9 shows placement of the magnetic treatment devices of theinvention for hip, joint and muscle pain;

FIG. 10a shows placement for the magnetic generator in the fitment formoderate elbow pain;

FIG. 10b shows placement of the magnetic generator in the fitment withproper placement for elbow pain with joint and tendon involvement;

FIG. 11a shows placement of the magnetic devices in a fitment for wristpain and especially overuse or Carpel Tunnel Syndrome;

FIG. 11b shows placement of the magnetic device in an alternate fitmentfor wrist pain and especially overuse or Carpel Tunnel Syndrome;

FIG. 11c shows placement of the magnetic device directly over the skinvia a double adhesive sticker for wrist pain and especially for overuseor Carpel Tunnel Syndrome;

FIG. 12 shows placement for shoulder pain of the joint and surroundingtissues from such conditions as arthritis;

FIG. 13 shows placement of the magnetic device of the invention on onearea of potential injury of the rotator cuff of the shoulder;

FIG. 14 shows placement and design of the magnetic device of theinvention in a helmet fitment for treatment of maladies of the head bothbone and soft tissue. i.e., nervous system structures;

FIG. 15 shows alternate design of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows alternate design of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 shows alternate design of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 shows alternate design of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 shows alternate design of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 shows cutaway view of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 shows views of tailored back fitment;

FIG. 22 shows views of tailored knee fitment;

FIG. 23 shows views of common placements for specific maladies of theneck, shoulder, elbow, back, hip, knee and ankle;

FIG. 24 shows attachment to the chest wall of devices to cover specificareas of the myocardium by the magnetic flux field for treatment ofrhythm disturbance and pain of angina.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a seat comforter containing a plurality of magnetic devices12 which are secured therein. The seat comforter 10 has a back portion14 and a seat portion 16. Other magnetic devices may also be used ratherthan the Magna Bloc™ therapeutic devices; however, their use is notpreferred. The magnetic devices 12 ideally produce a magnetic field withhigh magnetic flux gradient to alter the firing of impulses from painsensing fibers. The magnet device 12 contains four magnetic bodiesarranged in alternating polarity. A containment device, such as a hardplastic shell, a vacuum-sealed pouch, foam or soft carrier material maybe used to carry those four magnetic bodies.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a user wearing a pair of tights 40 with magneticdevices 12. The orientation of magnetic device 12 enhances blood flowand provides pain/discomfort relief during physical exertion.

FIG. 4 shows a comforter 70 with magnetic devices 12 embedded or sewntherein. Any method of securing the magnetic devices 12 in comforter 70to prevent relative movement may be used. In the preferred embodiment,the magnetic devices 12 may be vacuumed packed into plastic sleeves andsewn into a cloth material to create comforter 70. The magnetic devices12 are arranged in a rectangular array in this preferred embodiment.However, any arrangement, which generally evenly disperses magneticdevices 12, may be used.

FIG. 5 shows an insole 100 with a magnetic device 12 secured therein.Preferably, 3 magnetic devices 12 are used. Use of more or fewer numberof magnetic devices 12 is believed to be less effective in treating footpain or discomfort, but may be advantageous for reasons of flexibility.

FIGS. 6a and 6 b show the proper placement of the magnetic flux fieldgenerators for low back pain and/or radicular pain originating inneuronal and non-neuronal structures of the back with the final commonpain pathway being stimulation of a pain sensing fiber.

FIG. 7 reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generators overthe knee joint for treatment of pain and inflammation.

FIG. 8 reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generators overthe knee joint and the infra patellar and supra patellar bursa fortreatment of more severe cases of pain and inflammation.

FIG. 9 reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generators overthe hip joint and surrounding soft tissue for treatment of pain andinflammation of the joint space or surrounding soft tissue.

FIG. 10a reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generatorsover the elbow joint for treatment of pain and inflammation of the jointspace and surrounding soft tissue.

FIG. 10b reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generatorsover the elbow and common points of tendon inflammation in painful andinflammatory conditions of the elbow and forearm.

FIG. 11a reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generator overthe area of the carpel tunnel of the wrist for painful and/or overusedwrist such as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

FIG. 11b reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generatorusing an alternative embodiment over the area of the carpel tunnel ofthe wrist for painful and/or overused wrist such as in Carpel TunnelSyndrome.

FIG. 11c reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generatorattached over the area of the carpel tunnel with a double adhesivedevice.

FIG. 12 reveals the placement of the magnetic flux field generatordevices over the shoulder joint and. soft tissues for treatment ofconditions such as arthritis.

FIG. 13 reveals the placement of the devices over a rotator cuff areafor an example of treatment of a rotator cuff tear.

FIGS. 14-20 reveal attachment means and placement of the magnetic fluxfield generators of the invention for treatment of maladies of the head,both bony and soft tissue, such as nervous system disorders.

The above placement or positioning of magnetic devices as shown in FIGS.1-24 are believed to provide superior pain or discomfort relief relativeto prior art magnetic devices and their positioning. Double sideadhesive tape or fitments may be used to secure the magnetic device 12in the described positions and in the prescribed arrangements.

Also disclosed is a method of arranging magnetic devices 12 in afitment. A physician or user first determines the number and placementof magnetic devices relative to body locations, such as the lower back.No one single fitment and magnetic devices design will work for an usersas users come in all sizes. Rather, it may be more effective to customplace each magnetic device in its most effective location on the body.After these locations are determined, the magnetic devices are removedrelative to the body. Next a carrier fitment is applied over the bodypart to be treated. Ideally one or both of the fitments or the magneticdevices have means for reversibly securing the magnetic device relativeto the fitment For example, the magnetic device end fitment could havecooperating hook and loop fasteners. The magnetic devices are attachedto the fitment such that each magnetic device is placed at itspredetermined optimal position to insure optimal efficacy for thecombination of the fitment and magnetic devices. Although not preferred,the magnetic devices could also be permanently attached to the fitment,such as by the use of permanent adhesive such as glue or rubber cement.

FIG. 21-1 shows an exemplary back fitment 100. Magnetic devices 102 withhooks 10 secured thereto are shown in FIG. 21-2. FIG. 21-3 shows anideal general arrangement of the magnetic devices 102 being applied to apatient's back using double sided tape. A total of five magnetic devices102 are applied in this exemplary case as best meet the needs of thepatent. The fitment 100 is pressed against the patient's back with thehook and loop fasteners holding this magnetic device 102 to fitment 100.An interior cloth piece 110 is applied over the exposed magnetic device102 and secures to fitment 100 to provide better securment and toprovide a barrier to hook or loops on fitment 100. Otherwise, the hookand loop material might scratch or otherwise irritate the patients skin.

The placement number of cooperating magnetic devices and geometricalarrangement of the magnetic devices on patient's body parts, i.e. wrist,back. neck, head, knee (see FIG. 22), et cetra, has been developedthrough years of clinical studies, basic science research, clinicaltrial and error, and patient feedback. This application is intended todisclose this accumulated knowledge in the optimal treatment of pain anddiscomfort at different body locations using superior magnetic devices.The accompanying drawings describe the placement of magnets with thedesired gradient, for use in the treatment of various human and/oranimal maladies, regardless of the magnetic and/or electro magneticgenerator source which produces the desired gradient.

FIG. 23 depicts placement of the flux field generators in strategiclocation for the common aches and pains of daily living. These pains maybe secondary to structural or inflammatory changes but the discomforthas a final common pathway, i.e., by orientation of pain sensing fibers.

FIG. 24 represents strategic placement of the magnetic flux fieldgenerator devices over the anterior myocardium for the relief of anginapectoris and/or rhythm disturbance.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of arranging a plurality of therapeuticelectromagnetic treatment devices in a fitment, comprising the followingsteps: a) providing a plurality of the therapeutic electromagnetictreatment devices, each device further comprising a plurality ofelectromagnetic bodies each body comprising a plurality of magneticpoles substantially in a single plane, at least one of the magneticpoles having secured a ferroconductor flux return ring thereto forincreasing the strength and gradient without altering the centeredcharge and symmetry of the three dimensional radiant magnetic fluxfield; b) orienting the magnetic bodies to define four vertices of aquadrilateral shape, and each having magnetic poles exerting magneticforce on the other plurality of magnetic poles; c) providing a fitmentfor accommodating the electromagnetic treatment device; and d) placingthe fitment containing the treatment device on a part of the human bodyso that a flux field created by the plurality of electromagnetic bodiesinteracts with damaged tissue to re-establish normal physiologicalfunctioning of the tissue.
 2. A device for interacting with the body ofliving organisms, comprising: a) an electromagnetic treatment devicecomprising a plurality of electromagnetic bodies, each body including aplurality of magnetic poles substantially in a single plane; b) themagnetic bodies being oriented to define four vertices of aquadrilateral shape and each of the magnetic poles exerting a magneticforce on other plurality of magnetic poles when the poles areelectrically charged; c) a ferroconductor flux return ring secured to atleast one of the poles for increasing the strength and gradient withoutaltering a centered charge and symmetry of any three dimensional steepradiant magnetic flux field; d) a containment component for holding themagnetic poles of the magnetic bodies in the orientation; and e) afitment accommodating a plurality of electromagnetic treatment devices,which when placed on a portion of the human body having damaged tissue,a flux field created by the electromagnetic devices interacts with thedamaged tissue to re-establish normal physiological functioning of thetissue.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the device would beattached over the area of the carpal tunnel with a double adhesivefitment.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the device in the fitmentwould be positioned over the soft tissues for treatment of conditionsincluding arthritis.